Introduction
- India and Bangladesh share deep historical, linguistic, and cultural ties, forming a comprehensive partnership rooted in sovereignty, equality, trust, and mutual understanding. This relationship transcends mere strategic cooperation.
- Both nations have committed to enhancing connectivity by simplifying visa processes, facilitating the free movement of goods, promoting cross-border energy and electricity exchanges, and building digital bridges.
- Bangladesh has emerged as a significant trading partner for India. In the face of shifting global economic dynamics, fostering free trade across India’s longest border with Bangladesh, the Subcontinent’s second-largest economy, has become a regional imperative.
Body
Recent Developments
Strengthened Bilateral Ties in 2023:
- The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline was inaugurated by both Prime Ministers, marking a significant step in their partnership.
- Three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the sixth Indian Ocean Conference, covering digital payment methods, cultural exchange, and agricultural research.
Indian-Assisted Development Projects:
- In November 2023, three major development projects were launched jointly by both Prime Ministers:
- Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link.
- Khulna-Mongla Port rail line.
- Unit II of Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant.
Security Cooperation:
- Active collaboration between both countries’ authorities in combating illicit drug trafficking, counterfeit currency, human trafficking, and addressing police and anti-corruption issues.
- Significant defense interactions occurred in 2023, with reciprocal visits by the Chiefs of the Indian and Bangladesh Armed Forces.
Restoration of Rail Links:
Five pre-1965 rail connections between India and Bangladesh have been restored:
- Haldibari (India) – Chilahati (Bangladesh)
- Petrapole (India) – Benapole (Bangladesh)
- Gede (India) – Darshana (Bangladesh)
- Singhabad (India) – Rohanpur (Bangladesh)
- Radhikapur (India) – Birol (Bangladesh)
Energy and Power Sector Cooperation:
Bangladesh now imports 1,160 megawatts of electricity from India, reflecting deepening ties in the energy sector.
Human Resource Development:
- India’s development assistance in Bangladesh includes various ongoing educational programs and scholarships, training Bangladesh Civil
- Service officials, police officers, judicial officials, judges, and other professionals at prestigious Indian institutions.
Conclusion
- The cultural and historical bonds between India and Bangladesh are symbolized by February 21, celebrated in Kolkata as Language
- Movement Day, which UNESCO recognized as International Mother Language Day in 1999.
- The rivers and streams that connect the two nations have fostered a shared riverine culture, where customs, rituals, nature worship, and celebrations like Durga Puja are observed across the border, transcending religious and geographical boundaries.
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